This is a wise move on behalf of the Leader of the Government in the Upper House Vanessa Goodwin rather than a victory for those opposed to workplace protection.

The spirit of the legislation is perfectly sound and is entirely democratic.

People have a right to protest peacefully but that right to protest does not overshadow the right of a worker to go about their legal daily business.

We have seen numerous examples of forest protesters trespassing into workplaces and dangerously chaining themselves to machinery.

That is not peacefully protesting. It is an arrogance that defies democracy because it elevates one person's rights and opinions above another.

Unfortunately the intent of the legislation has been hijacked by environmentalists and unions claiming that people will be arrested for simply attending union barbecues and rallies on lawns.

For this reason the state government is wise to have the legislation heavily scrutinised so that there is wider understanding.

"The government believes consideration by a committee will allow the bill to be properly understood and community concerns addressed," according to Dr Goodwin.

At the heart of the legislation is a $10,000 fine for workplace invasions with repeat offenders facing jail time.

Perhaps the state government can be accused of rushing through the bill given that it had the numbers in the lower house.

The majority of Tasmanians support the concept but want assurances that it will not lead to an abuse of power.

Hopefully, this consultation will ensure that the real spirit of the legislation is achieved without impacting on genuine peaceful protests which are a feature of democratic Australian life.